Dickie.b.birdography

Roosting Hens

2012-01-13T17:31:00.000Z

As the light was fading late Friday afternoon, I managed to see two Hen harriers (ringtail) Coming into the evening Roost on the Marshes. During my visit that day other raptors seen where Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard, Kestrel Barn & Little Owl. Altho the regular pair of Peregrine Falcon couldn't be located on the posts out on Geedon marshes. Fingers crossed that my next visit gives me some better opportunity's to photograph these species.

Sunny Afternoon.

2011-11-10T22:32:00.000Z

The sun finally broke through the grey overcast skies yesterday afternoon. So i decided to grab the camera and make a visit to our beach. My main objective was to try and capture a few pictures of my favorite passerine the Snow Bunting. What i wasn't expecting was the Finding of a Black redstart at Coopers Beach. And then to see a few Twite mixed in with a flock of linnets at the countrypark. All in all a great ending to a dull overcast day.

Parakeet Productions.

2011-10-29T19:25:00.001+01:00

Finally decided to try my hand at a bit of wildlife filming while iv been out recently. And my first culprit was this Ring-Necked Parakeet. Hope you enjoy my clip and hopefully more will be posted in the near future.

Happy jack

2011-10-23T17:57:00.000+01:00

After a wasted trip to Abberton yesterday i decided to return to the island a see if the Grey Phalarope was still present at the country park and it was. Although as i arrived another birdwatcher told me he had seen 2 jack snipe. So after an hour off scanning the margins this little beauty strolled in to view.

Glossy moment.

2011-10-17T20:28:00.000+01:00

There has been sightings of two Glossy ibis on a local farm recently, but with no access permitted id given up hope off seeing them. So when this one decided to take a rest and prone itself on the pond at Cudmore grove, i couldn't believe me luck. Although the foliage restricted the views i still managed to weave the lens through the leafs and obtain some record shots.

Dizzy sunday morning.

2011-10-17T19:35:00.000+01:00

At long last something new, to add to my blog. This scarce grey phalarope has been present at the Mersea island country park for the last few days. And its constant spinning behavier soon had me feeling dizzy trying to photograph it.

2011-08-30T18:31:00.002+01:00

Not had the chance to get out recently, so i decided to post some of my record shots of Black-eared Wheaters taken around Olu Deniz.

Bunting Valley

2011-05-24T20:37:00.001+01:00

My friend Ali took me to a recently flooded valley while i was away. known as koy kent (yayla patlangic village).I couldnt prounce that so i called it Bunting valley hence the various Buntings seen there. This area looks really promising for future visits.

Singing Serin

2011-05-21T10:12:00.000+01:00

The sound of Serin fill the air at most of the Turkish sites that i visit. I Just wish id got better pictures of the Red Fronted variety, still theres always next time.

Trouble at Temel !!

2011-05-19T14:29:00.000+01:00

After having 3 days of rain in Olu deniz, i decided that as soon as the sun appeared i would head for a new site i had discovered the last time i was here. The village of Temel is situated to the east of fetiyhe in the mountains.I pulled of the road by a stone bridge crossing the river and was soon watching this White throated robin. But it wasn't long before i was joined by the local jandama (Turkish police). After practising my Turkish language skills, i was soon accompanying them to the local police station. Then after a further 2 hour's and lots of phone calls to friends in Fethiye the jandama relized i wasn't James bond and i was released.

Colourful moment.

2011-05-18T13:34:00.001+01:00

My first trip back to The ghost town of kaya koy in 18 months, started with the happy chuckling
sound of the Bee-eaters filling the warm morning air.

Dinner time.

2011-04-25T20:28:00.000+01:00

Never have i seen a Marsh Harrier carrying a Black headed gull, that was until today. I decided on a quick walk round the ranges this afternoon.And as i sat on the sea wall in the sunshine watching one of the females (top pic). This youngster came over my head struggling to carry its dinner.

Heard before spotted.

2011-04-18T21:52:00.001+01:00

The very distinctive call of this Spotted Redshank alearted me of its present at the pools on Saturday. The final tally was 4 Spotties in total on the ranges for the day a pleasing result.

Wondering Wheatear

2011-04-18T21:45:00.000+01:00

This year has been good for passage Wheatears, this is yet another one we found, out on the ranges on saturday afternoon.

Grove Garganey.

2011-04-18T21:40:00.000+01:00

The Local British trust of Ornithology Web counters discovered these four Garganey On the country park at East Mersea today, whislt carring out a wetland survey. Thanks to there quick actions and phone calls, i was able to gain some record shots.

Shrike at Turnpike

2011-04-13T22:31:00.000+01:00

This Woodchat Shrike was reported at Rettendon turnpike today. Giving lots of Birders the chance to view yet another shrike in the area within a few weeks.

Magical Marsh Moments.

2011-04-03T21:48:00.000+01:00

Managed to get out friday afternoon while the sun was out. Although with the little time in hand. I was pleased that forward planning, had produced a great spot on my local patch to observe these Marsh Harriers in flight. Im looking forward to some long hours alone on the marsh trying to capture some more magical moments in the next few weeks .

Pose please

2011-03-29T18:46:00.000+01:00

Went back to Stow maries first thing this morning and was pleased to see the Great Grey Shrike was a little bit more photogenic for me this time round.

Bonus Bramblings !!

2011-03-29T17:44:00.001+01:00

Made a trip to Thriftwood today in hope of finding a lesser spotted woodpecker. Id spent 4 hours searching the woods with no luck. So decided to make my way back to the car when i came across a large flock of finches feeding on the local farmers field. So i set up my scope and had a scan through them and soon noticed about 7 Brambling feeding amongst the Chaffinches and Linnets. How pleased i was with myself and a day not wasted after all. Il be back there this weekend looking for the lesser spot once again.

March Migrant

2011-03-28T12:17:00.000+01:00

Had permission to visit the M.o.D ranges on Friday afternoon, and how pleased i was to find a nice early Wheatear for my year list.

Operation Butcher Bird !!

2011-03-23T20:39:00.003Z

Today's target was this Great Grey Shrike, that had been found on the Stow maries Aerodrome near Cold Norton. Known as the butcher bird because it strikes its prey, usually lizards or small mammals with its feet. Then it impales them on the spikes of a blackthorn bush or on the barb of a barbed wire fence. So at last another new species for my blog and my Essex tick for 2011. Mission complete.

Divers in the Deep.

2011-02-16T22:06:00.013Z

Clear skies and a high tide, plus 4 Red-Throated Divers made my walk to Moon beach, East Mersea worthwhile yesterday. I watched them diving and fishing for about an hour then as the tide started to fall, i made my way further along the seawall to the pillbox at Coopers beach. From here i was able to walk out on to the sand spit to photograph them a little closer as they swam past heading towards Brightlingsea.

Bullfinch Bliss.

2011-02-12T17:01:00.005Z

I could hear the distinctive piping and chewing call of a Bullfinch at Chigborough lakes today. And although it still took awhile for this rather shy and secretive bird to appear in the open. It was worth the wait when he did.

Scaup by the Strood.

2011-02-09T16:16:00.009Z

These two female Scaup have been present on a local fishing lake for the last few days. Mixing with the Tufted ducks and mallard.

Smitten with the Smew

2011-02-05T11:43:00.008Z

Another trip to Abberton in the hope of the Bittern showing was again a waste of time. But i was fortunate enough to have this rather fine drake Smew spend some time trying to impress a female Red Head.

Posing Goldeneye

2011-02-05T11:37:00.003Z

Whilst at Abberton waiting and hoping that the Bittern would show. This Goldeneye popped up in front of me and it even decided to pose for the camera. Pity the bittern never popped out the reeds though.

Hoard of Hawfinchs

2011-01-23T22:48:00.010Z

Braxted Park was this mornings destination to try and catch up with the Hawfinchs. And how pleased i was when 9 birds showed up in the tall mistletoe cladded trees. Easily recognizable by the big strong bulky beaks, that they use to break the cherry and hornbeam seeds. I shall be making a few more visits to this site, hoping that the sun shines ! So i can obtain some better pictures.

What a Lark !!

2011-01-07T01:34:00.007Z

It's taken me 20+ years of birding to finally catch up with the Shore lark. And the dull weather and distance didnt stop me enjoying the moment i saw the lovely yellow faces of 5 birds on the beach, at John Weston Reserve, Walton on the Naze. So a new year and a new list and hopefully a few trips out, catching up with a few feathered friends.

Quiet and creepy

2010-11-28T17:56:00.007Z

Not alot around at the moment, but i did manange to photograph this Redshank on the beach pools at Cudmore Grove before he noticed i had slowly creeped closer and took to the air !!.

Lazy Sunday Morning

2010-11-07T15:11:00.007Z

Dragged myself out off bed this morning, no time for a dig in the grave (shave), then finding a frost on the car windscreen ?. Was it worth it !!!. Most defiantly after a few fruitless trips i finally connected with a small group of bearded tits feeding in the still conditions with wonderful light -- Happy days ;-).

Spot the jack snipe

2010-11-02T18:48:00.004Z

After visiting Essex Wildlife Trust, Abberton. To see the Lapland bunting's a few weeks ago. I was told that a jack snipe had been seen from the layer breton causeway, earlier that morning. So off i went in search and after sometime careful scanning of the margins i finally found this well hidden beauty.

Belated Bairds.

2010-11-01T10:02:00.001Z

These are images i got of the Baird's Sandpiper at Holland Haven, back in October. Although they are grainy in quality, you can see the wings extending the tail and general 'jizz' of the bird. You can also see the size comparison of this small wader against the Gulls. Light conditions were very overcast and the distance of the bird didn't help taking photo's on day. But at least its a life tick for me and a new species on me blog :).

Nutty as a Nuthatch.

2010-10-29T22:52:00.002+01:00

Trying to find this little Nuthatch in my scope whilst he was busy creeping down the trunk of the tree was driving me mad, but as they say patients is a virtue.

Two ticks.

2010-10-13T19:41:00.004+01:00

I went out with the hope off photographing a couple off rarities on Saturday. The Semipalmated Sandpiper at Abberton and the Bairds Sandpiper at Holland haven. How ever both birds were impossible to photograph due to the distance they was at. However with the light being good and these Ruff being close i decided to capture a few shots of them instead. So all wasn't lost two life ticks and a couple off half decent pictures of moulting ruff.

Worthy Waders

2010-09-17T16:53:00.018+01:00

Decided to post these photos on my blog rather then deleting them. They show some good size comparisons and the diversity of the waders.These were all taken on Sunday afternoon when the tide was very high covering the salt marsh and forcing the birds onto the pools.

Partake with the Pectoral

2010-09-14T17:03:00.004+01:00

With very dull conditions and a strong wind blowing across the layer da haye causeway at Abberton. It wasn't ideal conditions to try and photograph the distant Pectoral Sandpiper that had been reported. But i couldn't resist the temptation to at least get some record shots, as this was a new species for my blog and year list so here they are.

Twisting my neck.

2010-09-08T16:33:00.006+01:00

Reports were coming through on Saturday off this Wryneck at Holland haven, Essex. So off i went with the hope off getting some pictures. and i must admite it was one off the hardest birds i have had to digiscope. Being he was always confiding in the hawthorn bushes or feeding on the floor out of sight. But with some careful angling of the scope,the camera and my neck, i was finally able to see between the foliage to get a full picture.

Good Start.

2010-09-07T21:07:00.007+01:00

When i arrived at Holland Haven to see the Wryneck i was also quite lucky to stumble across this female Redstart. What was disapointing was the more colourful male that i missed.

Banking on the Holiday.

2010-09-02T17:29:00.011+01:00

Bank holiday monday would be the last time i might be able to visit the pools for a while. So i decided two maximise my time by making sure i would be in place a couple of hours before high tide. And with the late afternoon sun i should get some good light. Trying to get a little closer to my subjects without spooking them is always a problem. so after sorting my gear out i settled down under my scrim and waited. As i hoped it was not long before the waders came in. Starting with the Ruff and then after she had waded out off sight, in came the Juvenille Curlew Sandpipers. And the end results are these pictures which i am very pleased with.

Autumn Passage continues.

2010-08-30T12:31:00.005+01:00

Some new Waders dropped in at the pools Saturday, with a single Sanderling (bottom pic) and a Little Stint found amongst the Ringed plovers as we scanned the flock looking for the broad-billed sandpiper that wasn't to be seen. The days highlight for me was the curlew sandpipers, with 2 adults showing and a small gathering of juveniles feeding with the dunlin. Also had some pleasing moments watching the wood sandpiper with the curlew sandpipers (2nd from bottom pic).

Hull Collection cont:

2010-08-23T20:03:00.007+01:00

My Sunday morning birding started with setting myself up to scan the local pools.Within a short while i was snapping away at a Snipe (top 2 pics). whilst i was doing so Richard Hull discovered a Little stint (3rd pic), but whilst i was trying to find the stint within my binoculars i came across the Red-necked phalarope. Later in the day we had a number of Little stints including the Temmincks which i was unable to photograph due to me moving to sudden to get him in the viewfinder and spooking the bird and it taking flight into the very far corner. Then whilst scrutinizing the dunlin and ringed plovers. RH unable to speak with excitement was pointing and stuttering that he had found a Broad-billed Sandpiper. This crazy day finale finished with a group of a few Ruff , 4 wood sandpipers a Garganey & 5 whinchat. Numerous yellow wagtails which have been in short supply this year and 4 wheatear. In all a true birding experience, i reckon it will be another 27 years birding before i have a day like this again.

Hull Collection.

2010-08-22T23:17:00.013+01:00

Had a morning out with my good friend and bird artist Richard Hull, at our regular pools and what a days birding it turned out to be. The weather was very overcast and humid and the wind was still. But we had a cracking day and discovered some good birds. I'll start by showing the few photos i managed to get of the Broad billed sandpiper that we found. We had a total of 23 various waders including a Temmincks stint, juvenile red necked phalarope, Little stints plus the regular culprits and that isnt including the good selection of passerines. So as you can imaging it was my best day birding on one of regular patch's for many years if not my best days birding ever.

Not such a Grey Day.

2010-08-18T21:56:00.008+01:00

Well that bright orange thing in the sky wasn't showing itself again, as i arrived at RSPB Lakenheath, Suffolk. So digiscoping would be hard, but my main objective was to see the recent cranes, that have breed at the reserve. After waiting most of the day they finally took to the air, given me a very special moment. Lets hope my next meeting with this bird is on a sunny day in Essex.

Out of town.

2010-08-18T19:21:00.005+01:00

Decided it was about time i left Essex for a trip to nearby Weeting Heath, Norfolk. As i wanted to photograph the ultra wary, and rare Stone Curlew. Well it took a long wait combined with a lot of Patience's but eventually after lots of scanning with the binoculars and tad of birdwatchers luck this bird decided to show itself.

Wader Watching

2010-08-06T21:44:00.006+01:00

Took these pictures a couple off weeks ago, when these Wood sandpipers dropped in to feed at some local freshwater pools. Fueling up ready for there long flights ahead.

Spot the Spotted.

2010-07-24T19:46:00.005+01:00

Going through my photographs last night. I came across this picture of the Spotted sandpiper that was at Abberton last year that i had forgot to post.

Blinging Warbler

2010-07-24T16:27:00.007+01:00

Went back to Old Hall marsh again, hoping to catch up with an adult beared tit as the winds were still but no joy. I did however see a party of 5 juvenilles (top picture).
Also in the same area was this Reed Warbler with a ring on his leg. I have sent the little detail that i have off so hopefully find out some history on this birds movements.

Old hall Owl

2010-07-24T15:15:00.005+01:00

Decided on a walk round RSPB Old hall marsh on Wednesday. And my first sighting off the day was this Barn owl sat on a fence post. Within seconds he took to the air dived in to the wheat field and came out carrying a mouse. A most memorable moment.

Sleeping Ducks

2010-07-24T13:22:00.006+01:00

From layer breton causeway Abberton, this Wood sandpiper could be seen during the last week. It took a while at first to locate him, but once the ducks settled down in the midday sun he could be seen wondering along the muddy margins of the little muddy island that as developed in the recent dry spell.

green means go

2010-07-17T22:22:00.005+01:00

At long last some time off from work and a chance to get out with the camera. A stroll round some local pools was a good start to my week of with upto 12 green sandpipers showing on the fresh mud, so fingers crossed for some piece and light and birds for this coming week.

Knot bad.

2010-06-16T13:32:00.005+01:00

Not been much around recently, so when i came across this Knot at Old Hall Marsh feeding with the godwits i was pleased as this is the first for my Essex year list. And being in full summer plumage and with the sun shinning made it even better.
The larger wader in the bottom picture on the left is a Black tailed godwit.

Old Hall Renovation.

2010-06-14T19:37:00.005+01:00

I decided to take a walk round RSPB Old Hall Marshes today and the first birds to be seen were these Housemartins collecting sticky mud from a little puddle to repair there nest, that was under the eaves of a nearby house.

Olivaceous over looked.

2010-06-02T21:23:00.004+01:00

Been going few some of me old pictures and came across these shots of a Olivaceous warbler, taken in fethiye Turkey in july 2007. It is hard going during July and August due to the heat, but finding an olivaceous warbler is always pleasing and worth while.

Streaky Sedge.

2010-05-26T19:58:00.006+01:00

The great naturalist Gilbert White, gave the first description of the sedge warbler explaining that it was more streaky in appearance then the reed warbler and also having a very distinctive milky coloured eye stripe. Both warblers do however share the same habitat. This one was photographed at coopers beach Mersea earlier this week.

Avocet avail.

2010-05-26T19:48:00.008+01:00

Took a stroll round Hythe Lagoons yesterday hoping to locate and photograph a Grasshopper Warbler that had been report. But i dipped out on the warbler, so decided that i would make the four Avocet my subject for the day.

My Hobby !!!

2010-05-22T18:52:00.003+01:00

Due to the fantastic weather i decided to have a stroll with the family round Chigborough lakes Maldon in the afternoon. What magic it was to watch 3 Hobbys playing in the thermals, soaring high into a clear blue sky. catching the odd dragonfly and eating them on the wing.

Bird in the breeze.

2010-05-21T20:10:00.005+01:00

Spent a good few hours in the sun trying to photograph Reed Warblers today, not an easy task.
Locating the bird in the reed was the first mission. Followed by trying to capture the shot inbetween the reeds moving in the breeze.

Gentle Gull

2010-05-19T19:26:00.004+01:00

The cliffs at Bempton where alive with the noise of the Kittiwake, and being they spend most of the time at sea it was a great opportunity to see these gentle looking gulls at rest in large colonies on the cliff face.

Guillemot Galore.

2010-05-14T19:43:00.008+01:00

Guillemot's can be seen all along the cliffs at Bempton at this time of year. Some of the Guillemots have a monocal looking white eye ring and line down the cheek.

Welcoming wheatear

2010-05-14T17:07:00.003+01:00

Found this splendid Wheatear on my local patch which was very pleasing, as i have not seen much at all recently on daily walks with the dog.

Wold farm Puffins

2010-05-01T00:09:00.005+01:00

Well one of the main reasons i decided on Bempton cliffs was to see the famous puffins. I stayed at a lovely little campsite called Wold farm, Flamborough.Which had its own private footpaths to the cliff tops. and was ideally located for birdwatching around the Yorkshire coast.

Sharp as Razor.

2010-04-30T17:20:00.008+01:00

These sharply dressed Razorbills are scatted all along the cliffs at Bempton.

Greedy as a Gannet

2010-04-29T23:56:00.013+01:00

Well i think i need to change the title of my website. Due to not being able to get to Turkey, i decided on a day at RSPB Bempton cliffs, Yorkshire. And ended up spending two days there as i just couldn't get enough out of these prehistoric looking seabirds.

Dusting down.

2010-04-22T15:37:00.006+01:00

Not being able to get to Turkey this week due to the Volanic ash and the closure of British airspace, I decided to dust myself down after the disappointment and take a stroll round fingringhoe wick. As you can see the no fly zone hadnt stopped the migrants arriving.

Chuffed with the Chiffchaff.

2010-03-28T10:47:00.003+01:00

Sun was shinning a light wind, i could feel summer in the air at last after such a long winter. But what really made it feel like summer was my first migrant of the year this Chiffchaff on my local patch after such a long journey.

Early Partridge.

2010-03-20T10:00:00.004Z

With the early mornings being lighter at the moment i took a quick strole round one of the local farms today and crept up on this Partridge, wasnt long before he heard me and was running into the edge for cover.

Gleaming from the Gloom

2010-03-10T17:10:00.006Z

This pair of Goldeneye were surprised to see me standing on the seawall as they surfaced, as i was them when i arrived at Coopers beach East Mersea. But as always there gleaming golden eye was instantly seen in the gloomy weather and the drakes bottle green head can actually be seen in the top picture. The chance of more photo's soon disappeared as they quickly swam back out into the estuary.

Making progress with the Mergansers.

2010-03-06T17:13:00.003Z

With plenty of Mergansers on the estuary, and with the sun shinning. I went out with the hope of getting some better photos of them as they drifted with the tide . Still quite distant but i am pleased with the outcome of the pictures.

Island Waxwings.

2010-03-04T15:30:00.005Z

Well with very few Waxwings seen in the UK this winter how very pleased i was to find a pair outside my second home the Mersea island branch of the Royal British legion. The pair were very obliging eating the rose hip buds on the car park bush and have attracted many visitors to our little island over the last week.

Munching merganser.

2010-02-10T15:31:00.005Z

Very dull and overcast today, but with high tide being early i decided to see if i could get some photos of the Mergansers that have been on the estuary. I decided to visit the hammerhead on the island and stood on the ponton. No sign of any drakes but this female was busy trying to swallow the lug worm she had found.

Goosanders are Goal !!

2010-02-01T17:01:00.004Z

My first real trip out for this year and my target was the Goosander, that have been on the river Colne at castle park, Colchester. Although present on many of the reservoir's in Essex, i decided that by allowing myself plenty of time i would be able to get quite close to these fast swimming quick diving ducks for some better photo's then i already had.

Time out !!!!

2010-01-18T22:58:00.010Z

Time is always limited when i have the chance to visit a M.O.D permit only area. So these or just a few sightings from last year although they are not brilliant pictures they are still very memorable moments that i feel are worthy off showing.

Ringed Redshank

2010-01-17T00:47:00.010Z

Well i was looking and clearing out some files from my computer. And came across this redshank although i have not been able to see the full details on the leg ring .There are very pleasing results. RING DETAILS HOPEFULLY TO FOLLOW.

Slushy with the wigeon.

2010-01-06T17:37:00.004Z

With the snow starting to melt and a slight rise in tempertures, i took a walk down to the Brickhouse pond on the island. All my hard work walking through the slush was rewarded with the sight of these two wigeon cruising about and with a few minutes of sun light shinning between the very grey skies i captured these few shots.

Winter Waders.

2010-01-05T15:10:00.003Z

An hours walk along East Mersea beach with my springer spaniel today produced these few waders. Although the sun was bright it was extremely cold. And the kettle was soon boiling once i returned home.

Black and White !!!

2009-10-30T18:53:00.006Z

Such a gloomy start to the day was soon brightened up with the sight of these Avocets at Abberton. And with such contrasting weather decided that black and white was the way back today this particular picture reminds me of an early birdwatchers reference book. Also the black tailed godwit in flight was also very pleasing.

Common culprit.

2009-10-20T18:42:00.004+01:00

High tide around the island, was as i finished work this afternoon. So i decided to let my Springer Spanial dog have a swim from cockleshell beach, East Mersea whilst i photographed this rather tame common Gull in winter plumage, and i can asure you it felt like winter on the beach.

Dipped out but not disappointed

2009-09-23T19:06:00.011+01:00

Received a telephone call from another island birder, telling me that the White rumped sandpiper ! was now visible from the Layer bretton causeway. After spending a couple of hours looking for this bird it was not located.Thankfully it was re -located the following day and this time i was lucky enough to gain a few photos of this American visitor and a life tick for me. Cheers Andy for the call.

Gold Captured.

2009-09-15T14:40:00.004+01:00

These tiny little Goldcrest are always a favorite of mine to watch fliting from tree too tree. And being the smallest uk resident bird they were not so easy to photograph and catch on camera.

Peeping dickie.

2009-09-15T14:04:00.005+01:00

Making my way back to the island today i spotted this heron standing by the Abberton reservoir on the Layer breton Causeway. Deciding to use a near by wall as cover and pearing over the top. I was able to gain a few shots with out startling him.

Peeping at the peckers.

2009-09-15T13:20:00.009+01:00

After returning From Turkey back to Mersea Island and to my normal job of posting mail. I haven't been able to spend much time with my camera, but did manage to gain a new garden tick with this Great spotted Woodpecker making a few visits to the feeder. And also watched a Green Woodpecker feeding on my parents lawn.

Your Tern to Answer.

2009-08-31T17:39:00.005+01:00

This juvenile Tern was busy preening and was photographed at calis marsh Turkey. Hes got a long journey ahead like, i have back to the uk, but he's off in the other direction to warmer climates. But my lack of knowledge of terns needs some work so identification is needed. please send your answers in the comments tag.
thank-you

Little bleeder

2009-08-09T11:56:00.010+01:00

This Little Bittern was skulking about at Calis marsh near Fethiye, With its new bird tower and the area recently having a conservation certificate issued. This is one of my favorite sites in Turkey and now locally known as Bird Paradise. Just a shame i couldn't get any closer to him for a better photograph, but still a nice turkish tick for the year.

Overlooking the Jay.

2009-08-07T19:19:00.005+01:00

The Jay is very common in Turkey, and often overlooked by me. But i decided to quickly take this photo to try and show how it differs from the British race. Note the birds crown is all black, and on the british species this is striped.

Owls of Orcun villa.

2009-07-27T17:12:00.000+01:00

A regular sighting on my walks to kayakoy are the little owls. Always sitting in the shade of the chimneys around Orcun villa in the holiday town of Hisaronu. I have stayed in the villa a few times and am very pleased with the location and birdwatching habitat that surrounds the accommodation.

Rocky Moments !!

2009-07-26T17:29:00.005+01:00

Spending time around kayakoy is fun. And having to climb over the ruins of the ghost town, to try and locate the Nuthatch & then too catch a sparkle in the eye was a risky business and one I'm still hoping to achieve!!!.

Chasing the Chukar.

2009-07-20T18:23:00.004+01:00

I was trying to avoid the heat hase so spent some time trying to get closer to this Chukar on the rocky slopes of Kayakoy. But he really didn't want to play game for me.

Shrikes nearly missed it !!!

2009-07-17T19:40:00.003+01:00

Nearly missed this shrike, it was only that i saw his tail flicking from side to side that gave him away sitting on top of the bush waiting to pounce on his next unsuspecting victim.

Rollers rolling up.

2009-07-17T19:25:00.004+01:00

An evening around the ruins at Kayakoy, Turkey produced these breeding rollers. And with the warm temperatures and bright light made the photography more enjoyable.

Small is good.

2009-05-23T10:11:00.005+01:00

Being alot smaller then the black-headed gulls helped me identify this juvenille little gull. The size difference can be seen in the first photo.

Gorgeous Garganey.

2009-05-23T09:26:00.007+01:00

Another tick for my year list today, was this gorgeous Drake Garganey that was at the Hythe lagoons. Every time he dipped his head to feed, i would move nearer hoping to get some better shoots.

Quick stint !!!

2009-05-17T19:54:00.004+01:00

Arrived home from work to discover that a Temmick's stint had been reported by the local Essex birders group, and that it was at the Hythe Lagoons, Colchester. After an hour of searching i finally found this very small and well camouflaged wader. Due to the evening light fading fast and the distance that the bird was, these are my only record shots, that are any good. BUT hay still a great tick for the year.

Another nice meeting ?.

2009-05-12T16:35:00.004+01:00

The Marsh Harrier was on the same bush again. Although i reckon he is here to upset the lapwing family that have breed on the field.

Catching the Mussel picker.

2009-05-10T18:50:00.007+01:00

Present around Mersea island, which is famous for its oysters, but strangely enough the oyster is not part of Oyster catchers diet,the bright orange bill which is strong and works like pliers and prizes the mussels off the rocks and opens shells of cockles to remove the food without any trouble.

Meeting with a Marsh.

2009-05-08T19:53:00.003+01:00

What a surprise i had when this male Marsh Harrier was perched up on a bush, as i walked round my local patch this evening.

Couldn't see the wood throw the trees.

2009-05-07T23:34:00.007+01:00

Had a phone call from one of the local birders telling me that two Woodsandpipers had arrived on the local country park at East Mersea. But with the sun in the wrong position, and trying to find an ideal spot between the Hedgerow and trees to photography these waders was hard. Here are my efforts.

Discovering the Doves

2009-05-04T13:22:00.005+01:00

One of the first birds that i learnt to identify the Turtle dove. It has no collar like its cousin the collard dove, but a finger print pattern on its neck instead. This pair were on one of my local haunts.

Sneaking up on the Sanderling.

2009-04-16T13:00:00.005+01:00

The tide was in yesterday afternoon as i took a stroll on my local patch. So i was quite pleased to see these two waders at rest on the shingle. It took me a while to crawl closer without disturbing them So that i could get some photos, before i had to crawl away again to leave them in peace.

Waxwings of Whitehall.

2009-04-06T14:30:00.005+01:00

Whilst driving my son to his sunday football game, i came across 13 Waxwings on the Whitehall industrial estate in Colchester. I watched them flitting from the tree top down to the pyracanthus bush, just outside the Bannatynes Health Club and then back up again as the customers came in and out.

Remembering Kes.

2009-04-04T19:11:00.009+01:00

A big influence in my love of birds was the novel, Kestrel for a knave, Written in 1968 by Barry hines. Reading this book whilst at secondary school in the 80's made being there a little more bearable for me. Then a few years later i was able to watch the film Kes. If you haven't seen the film or read the book i would recommend them.